Call for Community Volunteers to Represent Regions
Simon Crean
posted Friday, 3 February 2012
Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean and Victorian Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan today called for community volunteers to represent Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees in Victoria.
Individuals with community, industry or government experience and knowledge of local challenges are encouraged to submit an expression of interest to represent their local RDA committee.
“The RDA committees are more than the eyes and ears for government,” Mr Crean said.
“Their input is central to our place-based approach because it will help us better respond to the challenges and opportunities different regions face and enable us to embed regionalism into the way we govern in a way that can't be unpicked.
“Strong RDA committees are engaging with local communities to maximise economic growth, flexibility, diversity and resilience.
“We are looking for individuals with vision and drive – people who can use their experience, skills and local regional knowledge to build relationships between all levels of government and regional communities.
“Members of our RDA committees have strong relationships with their communities and bring a deep understanding of local issues.
“They volunteer their time and energy and work tirelessly for their regions, and we are committed to ensuring they have the support and resources to do their job well.”
People of all backgrounds are encouraged to submit an expression of interest, which will be considered against the skills and expertise required by RDA committees.
Previous applicants and existing members whose terms are expiring are also encouraged to submit a new expression of interest.
Mr Ryan said RDA committees play an important role in advising government on regional development policy.
“Interested RDA committee applicants would be enthusiastic about representing their local community, have a strong understanding of the issues in their region and a demonstrated commitment to economic and community development,” Mr Ryan said.
RDA is an Australian Government initiative which is jointly funded by State and Territory Governments and local governments in some jurisdictions.
For more information on the RDA network, the Expression of Interest (EoI) Handbook and an EoI form visit www.rda.gov.au
Additional information on the EoI process can be mailed to applicants, please contact 1800 505 938 (Mon–Fri 9am-5pm AEDST) or email rdaeoi@regional.gov.au
Applications for Victoria are encouraged by Monday 5 March 2012.